Downtown Living: Norfolk, Virginia
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk is one of Virginia's most desirable and interesting cities. Because of its naval history, the city of Norfolk has long been a place full of history and bustling excitement. While Norfolk has several neighborhoods to choose from, downtown is where the life of the city really takes place. Shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and much more can all be found in the heart of the downtown area.
Neighborhoods
In the downtown Norfolk area, there are several different neighborhoods with their own style and personality. The Ghent area has long been a popular choice because of the charming historic homes and apartments there and its close proximity to Colley Avenue, where you can find live music, bars, and the Naro Movie Theater. The Granby District has many newer apartments and is located right at the heart of business and commerce.
Things to Do
Norfolk has a myriad of attractions that make it a dynamic and fun place to live. The Norva music venue hosts bands from all over the country and has plenty of events for fans of live music. MacArthur Center Mall is a large shopping complex with high end stores and places to eat, as well as a large movie theater. The Chrysler Museum is a beautifully renovated art complex with constantly changing exhibits featuring artists from all over the world. Norfolk also boasts a large array of restaurants ranging from local seafood to ethnic fare. If you're interested in naval history, Nauticus Museum has plenty to offer.
Transportation
Norfolk is part of an area known as Hampton Roads, or the 7-cities area. Residents can get to any of the other cities easily by car or bus. The Light Rail, a mass transit system, currently runs through the heart of downtown Norfolk and into Virginia Beach. Public transport buses known as HRT (Hampton Roads Transit) can also take residents wherever they need to go. The Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel provide access to the Peninsula area located on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay.
Apartment Living
Norfolk has seen a significant rise in new construction for apartments. This is because the demand to live downtown is high, so developers have responded by building modern complexes located right in the heart of the action. Rent can vary and depends on the location and size of the apartment as well as its proximity to shopping and other activities. If you're interested in downtown living with culture, art, music, and great food, downtown Norfolk apartments are an excellent choice.
